Last week (what now feels like a lifetime ago given the current COVID-19 situation) the Cumulus Studio team gathered together in Northern Tasmania to visit a collection of projects currently under construction or recently completed.

The short staff trip was designed as an opportunity to physically engage with new work undertaken by the Cumulus team.

For most of us it was our first opportunity to explore the Cradle Mountain Gateway site, a milestone project for our studio which has helped define our ongoing practice in Tasmania. The tour continued with visits to Stillwater Seven, Gasworks Tasports Office, the Hotel Verge construction site in Launceston CBD and two (confidential) new sites in particularly interesting locations. Beyond the formalities, we were able to spend valuable time together as a team, over lunch, dinner and long winding car rides.

This sort of get together is something we are unlikely to have the chance to repeat any time soon. It was fun, productive, inspiring and we were very lucky to squeeze it all in. In saying this, we now understand the serious risks associated with travelling and perhaps would have rethought the trip had we known what we know now. It’s a strange mix of feelings.

Ten days on from the Northern Tassie trip, Cumulus Studio remains open. Our team across Melbourne, Launceston and Hobart have begun working from home and are reachable by phone, email and video conferencing. Things are different, but our existing flexible work practices should make the home office transition relatively smooth. As a business we will continue to support our team, clients, consultants and communities through this scary, uncertain period.

Stay safe and if you can, stay home.